Diet and Nutrition

Lawsuit Says Taco Bell Doesn’t Use Real Beef

Fast Food TacosA Montgomery, Alabama, law firm filed suit against Taco Bell, arguing that the fast food chain is guilty of false adverting when they reference “seasoned beef” and “seasoned ground beef” in their food. According to the Plaintiffs, the meat mixture found in Taco Bells products is so full of binders, extenders and other additives that it does not qualify for the minimum standards set by U.S. Department of Agriculture to carry the label “beef.”

The class-action lawsuit was filed on Friday in federal in the Central District of California. The law firm, Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles does not seek monetary damages, but wants Taco Bell to accurately represent it products. “We are asking that they stop saying that they are selling beef,” said Attorney Dee Miles. Miles further said that the firm had Taco Bell’s meat mixture tested, and found it to only contain 35 percent beef.

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Posted on January 25, 2024 by Health Buzz

The New Kraft Store Kiosk Makes Meal Planning Simple

What will technology come up with next? Kraft has done it again! According to Kraft, 70% of the people that enter grocery stores do not know what they are going to have for dinner that night. So, Kraft has designed a grocery store kiosk that allows you to do pretty much anything under the moon when it comes to grocery shopping.

One of the coolest features is that it can scan your face and literally provide you with dinner options and recipes. The camera scans your face and the “anonymous video analytics technology” predicts what you might want eat it for dinner that night. For instance, it will determine if you look like a mom, the kiosk will recommend Oscar Mayer weiners and some Mac ‘n’ Cheese. If you look like a a college student with bloodshot eyes, it will send you to the frozen pizza aisle. How sweet is that?

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Posted on January 25, 2024 by Matt

Sodexo Switches to Meatless Monday Nationwide

Meatless Monday nationwideOne of the largest institutional meal service providers, Sodexo, is now supporting Meatless Mondays nationwide. Sodexo piloted Meatless Mondays at college campuses across the U.S. and at the John Hopkins Hospital. The success of these programs lead Sodexo to roll once-a-week all-vegetarian menus to all their food outlets.

Sodexo serves universities, hospitals, senior centers, corporate and government cafeterias. “Sodexo is proud to combine our culinary expertise with the knowledge of our clinical dietitians to integrate meatless meal options that meet the nutritional needs of students learning in schools, patients recovering in hospitals, and employees engaging worksite wellness programs,” said Nitu Gupta, the vice president of brand management for Sodexo health care in a statement for MeatlessMonday.com. “Meatless Monday provides a healthy and tasty alternative for people looking to implement a healthy diet change, which explains why it has been so popular.”

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Posted on January 25, 2024 by Margaret

MTV’s I Used to Be Fat Follows Obese Teens on Their Weight Loss Journeys

DietsinReview announced MTV’s new weight loss show “I Used to Be Fat” in November. Since then, the show has aired four times, showing us the lives of four teens who have just graduated high school and are entering college.

So far, we have seen Gabriella, who lost an amazing 90 pounds in 90 days, Marci, Dominick, and Makenzie as they face the emotional and physical issues that have lead them to become obese at a young age. “I Used to Be Fat” is an unscripted show, which gives it an authentic air that some other shows can miss at times. The emotional and physical pain that all four teens have expressed on the show is possibly part of the show’s appeal because viewers can get to know the teens on a more personal level.

“I was tired of using my weight as an excuse,” Gabriella said in her post-episode update. “I’m very glad I did [the show]. I just wouldn’t take back anything. It was an amazing experience and I’m blessed that I was given that opportunity.”

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Posted on January 24, 2024 by Health Buzz

Michelle Obama Praises Walmart for Offering Healthier Food

Michelle ObamaIt’s rare to see a first lady endorse a superstore chain, but Wal-Mart’s new initiative to offer low-cost healthier foods is in line with Michelle Obama’s anti-childhood obesity campaign. “When I see a company like Wal-Mart launch an initiative like this, I feel more hopeful than ever before,” said Ms. Obama at the announcement, calling it a “a huge victory for folks all across this country.” Wal-Mart unveiled the healthy food initiative at THEARC, a Southeast Washington community center that offers a nutritious food program. The company also announced plans to open their first stores in the D.C. area.

“No family should have to choose between food that is healthier for them and food they can afford,” Bill Simon, president and chief executive of Walmart U.S., said in a statement posted on the company’s Web site. “With more than 140 million customers each week, Walmart is uniquely positioned to make a difference by making food healthier and more affordable to everyone.”

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Posted on January 24, 2024 by Health Buzz

America’s Greatest Chefs are Keen on Quinoa

Packed with protein and hundreds of years of wisdom, quinoa may be not only one of the most practical ingredients a chef can use, but also one of the most devious, for it has been fooling us all for hundreds of years.  This tiny ingredient, usually assumed to be a grain, isn’t really that at all—it’s a seed.

Though it leads a life of deceit and disguise, this unassuming ingredient can make a bold impact on a dish when prepared well.  And it’s a feel good ingredient, too, packed with 12-18% protein and containing a balanced set of essential amino acids.  Today, some of the most progressive chefs are keen on quinoa, and share suggestions for incorporating this once-sacred ancient plant in your own dishes:

Posted on January 24, 2024 by Maris

Blueberries Offer Nutrition and Flavor All Year Long

If you’ve been longing for the fresh fruit from your local farmer’s market, there might be a viable substitute right in your local supermarket. While most regions of the United States are currently suffering frigid temperatures, areas of South America, including Chile, are in their prime for the production of fruit and vegetables.

Particularly, Chilean blueberries are at a peak and unless you’re a die-hard locavore, will let you add fresh flavor to your table no matter what the weather looks like outside. Fresh blueberries need no pitting, peeling or chopping- just a quick rinse and they’re ready to toss with your favorite yogurt, oatmeal or even eaten plain.

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Posted on January 24, 2024 by Maris

In China, Food Safety Concerns Boost Organic Farms

Chinese FarmDespite a burgeoning economy, food safety problems continue to plague Chinese markets. Dairy products, wine, bean curd, rice noodles, mushrooms and cooking oil have all recently presented problems, leading more and more Chinese consumers to join and start collective organic farms. These farms operate under the community-supported agriculture (CSA) model we are familiar with in the states, regularly delivering members fresh, seasonal produce.

Although the Chinese government has promised more transparency, better inspections and harsher penalties for violations, 70 percent of citizens still feel insecure about food safety. Even some government agencies have turned to growing their own food to avoid problems.

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Posted on January 24, 2024 by Health Buzz

Sin City Burger Now Available at All Smashburger Locations for Limited Time

Stand back, burger lovers. The Sin City Burger, previously only sold at the Smashburger restaurant located in Las Vegas, has been added to the menu of the other restaurants. It will be offered for a limited time – which is probably a good thing.  Featuring a burger on an egg bun topped with a fried egg, applewood smoked bacon, melted American cheese, grilled haystack onions and “Smash sauce”, it was created with the “city that never sleeps” in mind. The burger will be removed from all Smashburger restaurant menus on Feb 27, 2024.

“The Sin City Smashburger was such a popular menu item in Las Vegas that we couldn’t resist bringing this delicious burger to all of our restaurants,” said Smashburger founder Tom Ryan.  “This will be the first time in Smashburger history that we take a regional burger on the road nationwide, and we know that the award-winning Sin City Smashburger will be enjoyed across the country.”

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Posted on January 24, 2024 by Carmen

The Four Hour Body on the Dr. Oz Show

Tune in this Monday, January 24 to the Dr. Oz Show to learn the truth about one of the most popular diets for 2024, The 4-Hour Body.

Created by self-professed madman and guinea pig, Timothy Ferriss, the book outlines a plan that shows you how to lose 20 pounds in 30 days by using Ferriss’s own 80/20 principle. The principle, which was originally coined in his other bestselling book, The 4-Hour Work Week, claims that you can get 80 percent results by exerting just 20 percent effort. (more…)

Posted on January 24, 2024 by heather

Suzanne Somers on the Rachael Ray Show

Tune in this Thursday, January 27 to the Rachael Ray Show when Suzanne Somers shares her secrets on how to stay sexy and beautiful as you age.

The 64-year-old beauty continues to turn heads with her amazing shape and her incredible zest for life and health. After beating breast cancer, Somers has been a passionate advocate for living a natural, holistic and balanced life. Now with her new Slim and Sexy Forever book and its complimentary online program, Sexy Forever, Somers is sharing her strategies, tips and plan for helping women over the age of 40 feel and look amazing. (more…)

Posted on January 24, 2024 by heather